Draft-equalizer



(No Model.)

G. P. HILLEGAS. DRAFT LQUALIZBR. 1\I0.@o1,795.v

Patented Apr. 5, 1898.v

` UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

' GEORGE E. HILLEGAS, OF LANE COUNTY, OREGON.

` DRAFT-EQUALIZER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 601,795, dated April 5, 1898. Application led August 9, 1897. Serial No. 647,660. (No model.)

This invention relates to certain new and' useful improvements in draft-equalizers, the object of myinvention being to provide a simple',cheap, and effective draft-equalizer which may be used either as a three-horse equalizer or as a two-horse equalizer simply by changing the position of the equalizing-bars.

The invention consists in the particular construction and combination of the parts, as will be hereinafter set forth and specically claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, Figure l is a plan View showing the parts organized for use as a three-horse equalizer. Fig. 2 is an elevation, and Fig. 3 is aside view of the clevis detached.

A refers to two similarly-shaped bars, made up from flat pieces of metal of proper thickness and width, which taper from points adjacent to the center to the ends. These plates are each provided with central apertures for the passage of a bolt d, to which tlieclevis b is secured. The ends of the .bars A have apertures through which pass bolts c for holding in pivotal engagement therewith equalizer-bars B, said bolts also serving to hold the ends of the bars A in engagement with each other.

' The equalizer-bars B are made up of bars of metal, and to the ends are secured draft-hooks which are so constructed that they may be passed between the bars A A when turned upon their bolts, and the hooks'may be also turned upon the ends of the bars B. The apertures in the bars B are position ed about onethird the distance from one of the ends thereof, and when the device is used as a three-I horse equalizer the short ends project outwardly and have singletrees attached thereto, while a singletree is attached to both the inner hooks. f

When it is desired to use the device for two horses, the bolts c c are removed and passed through apertures in the center of the bars B, changing said bars from equalizers to singletrees, the traces being attached to the same in the usual manner.

, The main bolt A is passed through a short tubular section d, said bolt also passing through the eyes of the draft-clevis C. This springs the central portion of the bars away from each other, so as to provide a space between them and making a truss-frame. VIt also has a tendency to force the ends of the bars A against the' bars B, so as to exert a spring tension thereon, the ends curving slightly upward, such construction obviating the use of washers, rivets, or other connecting means beyond the simple bolts hereinbefore referred to.

In manufacturing the draft-equalizer hereinbefore described I prefer to make the bars A of sheet-steel and the equalizer-bars of metal, the central portion being iiat or rectangular. The tubular support or spreader for the bars A obviates the use of connecting-` straps and independent pillar-supports, and the parts being so constructed can be readily ,separated for shipment.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isy l l. A draft-equalizer comprising a pair of Hat bars A A, equalizer-bars pivoted between the ends of the same so as to engage therewith and provided at their ends with drafthooks, means for connecting and centrally spreading the bars A A consisting of a tubular section, a bolt passing therethrough and a clevis the ends of which lie over the bars so yas to be engagedby the head of the bolt and its nut,`substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth,

2. In a draft-equalizer the combination with lthe metallic bars A, A, a tubular section for GEORGE F. HILLEGAS.

Witnesses: A. C. WooDcocK, SHERWOOD BURR. 

